Best Memorial Day Recipes
Plan your weekend menu with this collection of the 35 Best Memorial Day Recipes. This roundup features everything from veggie dip and burgers, chicken and seafood to sumptuous salads and sides. Sweet desserts are included to inspire you and of course, sweet tea to wash it all down. These recipes are sure to be a hit at any Memorial Day gathering, bringing friends and family together to enjoy good food and good company.
Best Memorial Day Recipes that are Easy to Make
Holiday weekends are as much a part of summer as lemonade and sunshine. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States, and it’s often celebrated with outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and picnics. Here are some classic and Best Memorial Day recipes that are perfect for such an occasions Links to the recipes above each image!
Planning the BEST Memorial Day Recipes for a Barbecue
When hosting a backyard barbecue for friends and family, it’s key to prepare as many dishes as possible in advance and this mouthwatering collection of 35 Best Memorial Day Recipes is sure to inspire you. Grilled burgers and hot dogs usually take center stage, but in this collection you’ll also find appetizers, seafood and chicken entrees, spectacular side dishes, Memorial Day salads and desserts. For a fresh take on tiramisu checkout this berry tiramisu recipe from Southern Living. Included in this Best Memorial Day Recipes roundup is a crunchy hillbilly cole slaw, macaroni salad, grilled corn and potato salads as well as, a fresh glazed fruit salad. If layering is your preference, a vibrant cornbread salad is sure to fit the bill. I wanted to include a few tips for warm weather picnics, too. Follow these Memorial Day cookout tips for pre-planning when enjoying food outdoors:
- When planning a buffet-style food bar, coordinate dishes with other cooks so that there will be a variety of entrees, sides and desserts to enjoy and no duplicates.
- Chill salads that you’ve prepared in advance thoroughly, and pack everything in insulated carriers for travel.
- Take full advantage of ice filled coolers to keep items cold. Likewise, any baked or warm foods keep in a separate insulated carrier.
- Salads that feature dressings that are vinegar based tend to fare well in hot weather and syrup glazed fruit salads are always a win.
- Don’t forget to pack the serving spoons, tongs and utensils to serve once you reach your destination.
1 Easy Veggie Dip
The holiday wouldn’t be complete without a crudite tray and a creamy dip on the table. This platter can be assembled using any of your favorite fresh veggies. Get the Easy Veggie Dip Recipe Here.
2 Cowboy Caviar
This popular dip is filled with a variety of vegetables and vibrant colors, too. It’s a delicious option for sprinkling on salads and tacos year-round. Make it one or two days in advance then add the cubed creamy avocado and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. Get the Cowboy Caviar Recipe Here.
3 Southern Pimento Cheese
Is it pimento cheese or pimiento cheese? The terms (and spelling!) are used interchangeably in the South. Spelling aside, this creamy Southern classic never disappoints. Get the Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe Here.
4 Boiled Peanuts
Whip-up a batch of Southern Boiled Peanuts for snacking while the kids are playing and watch them disappear. Get the Boiled Peanuts Recipe Here.
5 Frito Corn Salad
This Frito Corn Salad is a fun option. Make it per the recipe using crisp corn and cheddar cheese, then add the fritos just before serving so they’ll stay nice and crunchy. Get the Frito Corn Salad Recipe here.
6 Pear Salad
This retro Pear Salad remains a potluck favorite in the South. This is true mainly because it’s not only tasty but only requires assembling the individual salad with no cooking at all. Serve this easy salad on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation. Get the easy Pear Salad Recipe Here.
7 Zucchini Fritters
These crispy fritters are a way to incorporate vegetables onto the menu in a special way. Serve them with a side of aioli or ranch dressing for dipping. Get the Zucchini Fritters Recipe here.
8 Southern Potato Salad
No cookout would be complete without a bowl of potato salad on the menu. This recipe is a classic, featuring tender potatoes tossed with a mayonnaise and mustard dressing that never disappoints. Garnish the top with boiled eggs and sprinkle with paprika just before serving. Get the Southern Potato Salad Recipe Here.
9 Watermelon Salad
If sweet and salty combinations are your vibe, you’ll flip for this Watermelon Salad that features cucumbers, tangy red onion and goat cheese or feta. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint for a contrast of colors. Get the Watermelon Salad Recipe Here.
10 Cornbread Salad
This layered salad is a real crowd pleaser and a sight to behold. Decorate the top with cherry tomatoes for a gorgeous edible centerpiece for your holiday table. It always gets rave reviews. Get the Cornbread Salad Recipe Here.
11 Hillbilly Cole Slaw
This coleslaw features a sweet and tangy vinegar based dressing that infuses the fresh cabbage and vegetables with tons of flavor. It’s especially suited for warm weather picnics and gatherings. Get the Hillbilly Cole Slaw Recipe Here.
12 Southern Barbecue Baked Beans
These easy baked beans are seasoned with both bacon and ground beef. Serve them as a side dish or an entree ladled over a piece of butter cornbread. Get the Southern Barbecue Baked Beans Recipe Here.
13 Beer Battered Onion Rings
These crispy golden onion rings can be enjoyed as a starter or a side dish. Serve them simply with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Get the Beer Battered Onion Rings Recipe Here.
14 Hot Dog Chili
When hot dogs are on the menu I like to set-up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own to suit their taste. I can’t imagine doing so without chili as an option. Get the Hot Dog Chili Recipe Here.
15 Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola Onions
There’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a juicy burger. Whether you opt for frying or grilling these burgers come with a bonus recipe for sweet onions to pile on top. Get the Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca Cola Onions Recipe here.
16 Special Burger Sauce
This easy sauce can be served with those zucchini fritters, onion rings, french fries, fresh vegetables or yes, drizzled on your grilled burger. Make it a day or two in advance to give the flavors time to fully marry. Get the Special Burger Sauce Recipe Here.
17 Barbecue Chicken and Potato Foil Packs
Wrap-up this chicken recipe in foil combining tender chicken with crisp potatoes smothered with a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Add cheese and the smoky flavor of bacon just before serving. Get the Barbecue Chicken and Potato Foil Packs Recipe Here.
18 Shrimp Skewers
If seafood is on your menu, you can make these easy shrimp skewers on the grill or in the oven depending on your time. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside steak for an add-on to your meal. Get the Shrimp Skewers Recipe Here.
19 Salmon Burgers
You can add a seafood option on your burgers menu with these perfectly seasoned salmon burgers. Dress them with your favorite toppings and a slathering of remoulade to seal the deal. Get the Salmon Burger Recipe Here.
20 Homestyle Macaroni Salad
This creamy macaroni salad combines the comfort of pasta with a creamy mayo dressing and the crunch of bell peppers and onion with diced tomatoes. This retro pasta salad makes the perfect addition to any backyard cookout or bbq party. Get the Homestyle Macaroni Salad Recipe Here.
21 Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Offer a variety of options to your guest and you’ll have a happy crew to feed. These juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts are marinated then grilled until they’re golden and lightly charred. Get the Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe Here.
22 Grilled Corn on the Cob
This sweet corn is slathered with a homemade garlic chive butter turning it into an outstanding fresh Summer side dish for your Memorial Day menu. Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe Here.
23 Grilled Chili Rubbed Skirt Steak
Treat the carnivores to this tender skirt steak that’s seasoned and grilled until it’s pink on the inside with a charred exterior, Slice it across the grain for the most tender texture. Get the Grilled Chili Rubbed Skirt Steak Recipe Here.
24 Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
To make these fresh veggie kabobs you’ll thread metal skewers with corn, bell peppers, zucchini and squash. You can customize this recipe using any of your favorite garden veggies. These kabobs are brushed with garlic butter then finished with grated Parmesan cheese. Get the Grilled Vegetable Kabobs Recipe Here.
25 Saucy Baby Back Ribs
These baby back ribs are ideal for make ahead preparation. They’re cooked low and slow in the oven then chilled. To reheat, throw them on the grill to bring them back to temperature and brush with a barbecue sauce glaze to finish them off. Get the Saucy Baby Back Ribs Recipe Here.
26 Loaded Tater Tots
These crispy tater tots are drizzled with warm queso, shredded cheese, ranch dressing and crumbled bacon. They’re spectacular in flavor and there’s never any leftover. Get the Loaded Tater Tots Recipe Here.
27 Potato Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Handheld desserts are a must for a potluck party. These cookies feature that sweet and salt vibe that always satisfies. Get the Potato Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Here.
28 Red White and Blue Berry Trifle
This Patriotic Berry Trifle features the glorious colors of red white and blue. The layers of fresh berries, creamy white chocolate pudding, cubed cake and whipped cream will make it the pièce de résistance of your dessert table. Get the Berry Trifle with White Chocolate Cream Recipe Here.
29 Banana Pudding Cupcakes
I first published this cupcake recipe well over 10 years ago. Since then, it’s been knocked off all over the internet. Handheld portable banana pudding, it doesn’t get any better than that! Get the original Banana Pudding Cupcakes Recipe Here.
30 Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff
This island inspired fluff is creamy and delicious. Make it in advance and give it plenty of time to chill then scoop it into a bowl and enjoy. Get the Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff Recipe Here.
31 Southern Buttermilk Pie
This custard pie is a vintage classic that has adorned Southern tables for eons. Make it ahead of time and pop it into the fridge or cooler until your ready for dessert. Get the Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe Here.
32 Easy Fruit Salad
Combine fresh berries, pineapple, bananas, peaches and grapes for this light and healthy fruit salad recipe. It’s simple to pack and take to another location and you can enjoy it for snacking, too. Get the Easy Fruit Salad Recipe Here.
33 Strawberry Shortcake
This recipe features old fashioned homemade shortcakes for the base. Top them with macerated strawberries and whipped cream for a classic summer dessert. Get the Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Here.
34 Million Dollar Pound Cake
This recipe features a trick for beating air into the dense pound cake batter. It’s made with pantry ingredients and it’s scrumptious to the very last crumb. Get the Million Dollar Pound Cake Recipe Here.
35 Southern Sweet Tea
What kind of gathering would it be if there wasn’t a pitcher (or two!) of sweet tea to wash it all down. Add a side of lemon wedges for those who might like to combine the two flavors. Get the tips and pointers for making the best Southern Sweet Tea Recipe Here.
Wishing you all a safe Memorial Day spent with loved ones as we remember the Heroes who gave their all to make the freedom we enjoy in America possible. ~ Melissa
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